Asthma is a respiratory disease that affects the lungs and causes breathing difficulties. The condition affects individuals at an early age, but it can also develop for the first time in adults. People suffering from the condition experience shortness of breath and may provide a whistling sound when breathing. In severe cases, individuals who have asthma may experience increased breathing difficulty, chronic coughing, and the need to use an inhaler more often.

For some people, asthma is just a minor condition, while it affects their daily functioning. Asthma currently has no cure, but some medications and self-care practices help keep the symptoms at bay. Environmental factors such as humidity, pollen, chemical fumes, and gases can trigger symptoms of asthma. Therefore, an asthmatic individual must consider the environment in which they live. The following are some of the worst cities for asthmatic individuals:

1. Springfield, MA
Research studies indicate that one child in five in Springfield has asthma. This accounts for 41% of the children in school or daycare. Low air quality in the city significantly contributes to the higher number of asthmatic patients in the city. Moreover, high quantities of ozone and nitrogen oxide have been linked to the high asthma cases reported in Springfield. Additionally, idling buses and cars contribute to polluted air that affects students with asthma conditions.

Springfield, MA, is ranked as the number one worst city for asthma due to emergency room visits.

2. Dayton, OH
Dayton is ranked among the worst cities for asthma in America. It is rated at number 21 city worst for asthma in the world. Experts indicate that high pollen concentration and ozone are significant triggers for asthma in Dayton. Additionally, smoking in public rules isn’t much enforced in the city, making it worse for asthmatic patients. Vast numbers of idling cars and buses increase pollen polluters in the air, making the environment hostile for asthmatic patients. Dayton has a substantial number of poor people who lack health insurance making it challenging to seek medical services.

3. Greensboro, NC
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), Greensboro ranks as the 3rd worst city for asthma in America. Environmental factors contribute to the rising numbers of emergency room visits in the city. The weather in the city is warm but covered with yellow pollen. Moreover, the city has a high altitude making it a potential trigger for asthma symptoms. There are no clear rules for students carrying inhalers in school, thus increasing the city’s number of asthma patients.

4. Philadelphia, PA
Poverty rates are the major contributing factor for the high numbers of asthma emergency room visits in the city. Many individuals do not have medical insurance, making it challenging to seek medical services. Additionally, the city is congested with idling vehicles, which is a potential trigger for asthma symptoms. Environmental factors such as a high concentration of nitrogen oxide and ozone are potential triggers for asthma symptoms.

5. Cleveland, OH
According to AAFA, Cleveland ranks as the fifth most challenging city for asthma patients in the United States. Carbon pollution, ozone, and climate change are significant contributors to the toxic environment for asthma patients in the city. The state has several power-producing plants that release carbon into the atmosphere.